Where in the world are Duane and Gayle?: Turkey

Marmaris, Turkey

Lower left you will see Rhodes, Greece and if move directly
north you will see Marmaris, Turkey. We did this trip in one
day - about an hour ride on a catamaran. A Must DO!

The Aegean Cat....our catamaran!

Something I did not expect....seats like a plane. Actually
quite comfortable. No attendants, but they had a kiosk
where you could purchase snacks, water, beer or juice.

We're here....time to explore!

First stop is on top of Falcon Hill at a restaurant called
Sahim Tepisi - great food and the views were included.

Nancy, John and Ben at Sahim Tepisi waiting for breakfast.

Traditional Turkish Breakfast....cheese, salami, tomato
cucumbers, olives and a hard boiled egg. Served
with fresh juice and the best orange marmalade.
All for 5 Euros! YUMM!

Eating healthy!

Relaxed, Rested, Refueled and READY to explore!
We know our first stop is Naturel - a leather factory.
We heard that this was the place to visit to see
true craftsmanship and a rainbow of color pieces.
So, we're off to see a fashion show!

The Naturel Group has been open since 1977.
They pride themselves that their factories
use environmentally safe procedures.

Like, Like, Like!

The gal on the left was in the audience...why smiling...
maybe it's the refreshments they serve when you walk in -
choice of water, juice, wine and Kaki - the national drink-
it's a white, milky looking drink, smells like black licorice
and it's STRONG.....clears the sinuses!

On the right is Niko, our guide for part of the day. He brought
us to the Naturel Factory, then to the Gold Souk....no cameras
allowed...but great deals on gold and precious stones. Next
we went to the Sweet Factory and saw how treats are made,
traditional ones and best part....SAMPLES! On the left,
the shop owner told us all the information and requested
that we not interrupt him as it is memorized and he
would have to start over.... We think he was joking.

Next we are on our own and we are at the Marmaris Old Grand
Bazaar....shopping! Shoes, handbags, gold and we were
approached many times to buy quality American brands
like Hollister or A & F..... best advice....smile and keep walking.

Now back out in the town we found this great statue.
We are convinced it is US! Right? Looks just like us!

Love the fountains, there are hundreds of these
fish fountain all around the town....so peaceful!

Well, we do love our fountains....great center courtyard
in town with clock tower and wide open area for gatherings.

If all you did was see this garden you would swear you
were in Arizona...in fact it could be my backyard except
for the palms....they are not allowed in our neighborhood.

Striking waterfalls and bronze statues.

Duane taking a break as we head to the beach area - Icmelmer
Beach with the Mediterranean behind him....tranquil.

Beaches are not the best - a dark grey - gritty and many stones
and rocks. If you walk in, you have about 2 feet and then it
drops off dramatically to shoulder height water. The beaches
are very narrow and if you look down the beach to the
resorts all you can see are umbrellas - as the beach is narrow.
Still felt good to soak my feet!

Ben - having fajitas....prepared in some Greek way I'm sure.

Ours came covered - like a surprise.....

Surprise....Steak and peppers....it was full of flavor and
underneath, you can see to the left, the best potato and onion strips.

Now off doing what we love and do best -
off the grid - away from the tourist area and
exploring the neighborhoods and meeting
the locals and getting tips!

We are told there is a castle at the top of this staircase.

They were right....except it's 5 Lira's to get in
and they don't accept Euro's - so we peeked in
and took a pass....but took lovely pictures of the walls.